Sapphire Rocking Cell
Research of Gas Hydrates
The Sapphire Rocking Cell is a laboratory instrument to research and test low-dosage hydrate inhibitors (LDHI), corrosion inhibitors (KI), AA and KHI and also multi-phases.
The full view polished test cells are made of sapphire glass.
The Present Situation
The oil and gas production in cold regions and in the subsea deepwater require the further development of Low-Dosage Hydrate Inhibitors (LDHI) as Kinetical Hydrate Inhibitors (KHI) and in particular the Anti-Agglomerants (AA).
The standard procedure to analyze gas hydrate inhibitors is to monitor the pressure and temperature profile.
The demand on laboratory equipment for research on Anti-Agglomerants is the possibility to verify if the transport of dispersed gas hydrate in the fluid flow of a pipeline can be ensured. Furthermore should the composed gas hydrate be directly observable. Using conventional lab equipment this can not be achieved. For approval of a new gas hydrate inhibitor in-field a detailed statistical check of effectiveness is necessary. The objection is to do the necessary amount of tests in the least possible time.
Our Solution:
The PSL Sapphire Rocking Cell offers an observation and measuring possibility as laboratory instrument attuned to the research on anti-agglomerants. The sapphire test cells are pressure-proof and can be used simultaneously in high amount.
Deepwater conditions can be simulated with the up to 200 bar (2,900 psi) covering test cells. Depending on the setup it is possible to use up to 20 sapphire cells at the same time. With the ball run-time measurement the pumpability of the dispersed gas hydrate can be tested and conclusions about viscosity changes can be drawen. The design based on Champion Technologies Sapphire Rocking Cell.
Unsere Lösung: Saphirglas-Rocking Cell mit bis zu 20 Testzellen
Die PSL Saphirglas-Rocking Cell ermöglicht als Laborgerät eine auf die Untersuchung der Anti-Agglomerants abgestimmte Beobachtungs- und Messmöglichkeit. Die Saphirglas-Testzellen sind druckfest und können zahlreich parallel eingesetzt werden. Mit den bis zu einem Druck von 200 bar ausgelegten Saphirglaszellen ist es möglich, Inhibitoren auch unter Deepwater-Bedingungen zu testen. Abhängig vom gewählten Aufbau sind bis zu 20 Saphirglas-Testzellen gleichzeitig einsetzbar. Mit der Kugellaufzeitmessung wird die Pumpbarkeit der dispergierten Gashydrate in der Ölphase überprüft. Außerdem lassen sich durch die Kugellaufzeitmessung Rückschlüsse auf die Viskositätsänderung des Testgemisches ziehen.
The Specialty
The sapphire test cells are completely transparent. The whole sample chamber is visible for close observation of the samples behaviour and the structure of the composed gas hydrates. In addition the tests can be recorded by a video camera. For the first time it is possible to observe if hydrates are gathering or compacting on less turbulent areas. Furthermore the interaction of LDHIs and different additional substances like corrosion inhibitors (CI), asphaltene inhibitors (AI), wax inhibitors (WI) or scale inhibitors (SI) are accessible by experimental data. Free water or oil phases are detectable.
Your Benefit
With the Sapphire Rocking Cell you can save up to 50 % of your development and measuring times compared to the actually used test methods. Your project costs reduce accordingly.
Testing of Anti-Agglomerants with the Sapphire Rocking Cell will get you much more accurate results. It fulfills the needed stringent conditions for evaluate inhibitors for deepwater application. Anti-Agglomerants can be optimized and adjusted to your application and actual operating conditions which allows a significant increase in product safety.
Advantages of the Sapphire Rocking Cell
- Completly visible sapphire test cell for optimization of inhibitors
- Ball run-time measurement enables research on anti-agglomerants
- Up to 20 test cells afford savings up to 50% on development and project times
- Stringent test conditions for improvement on product safety on deepwater application
- Plug-and-Play concept
- Three model types available and customizing of each model possible
The Measuring Principle
The measuring principle of the Rocking Cell is based on the constant tilting (rocking) of temperature-controlled, pressurized test cells (rocking cells). By tilting a inserted ball rolls through the entire length of the test cell and mixes the contained fluid-gas mixture. The ball movement induces strong shear forces and turbulences inside the test cell which simulated the conditions inside a pipeline. A typical experiment can be divided into the three phases flowing conditions, shut-in and restart flowing conditions.
The Test Procedure
For a test the cell are filled with sample fluid (water, oil or condensate) and the desired amount of inhibitor. The cells are then cooled to the default test temperature. Each single cell can then be filled with an individual pressure up to 200 bar (2,900 psi) afterwards. The up to 20 test cells are mounted on a movable axle inside of a bath with cooling liquid.
All test parameters like e.g. rocking angle, rocking rate and time of test periods can be scheduled via software, so a programmed experiment can be started with a simple push on a button.
Ball run-time is determined by induction sensors, this ensures an accurate time measurement even in dark and opaque fluids. A camera can be controlled via software for automatic recording of pictures and videos at any time of the experiment.
After test completion cleaning and refilling is easy and done fast. The cooling bath is lowered, the test cells are then easily accessible and can be removed from their mountings.
Your Requirement
The Sapphire Rocking Cell is available in three types: the Sapphire Rocking Cell RCS2 with two test cells and extended 180° rocking angle, the Sapphire Rocking Cell RCS6 with up to 6 test cells for small spacing and the Sapphire Rocking Cell RCS20 with up to 20 test cells. The Sapphire Rocking Cell can be adapted to your needs to match the optimal setting for your application.
Vier verschiedene Ausführungen - für Ihre Anforderung
Die Saphirglas-Rocking Cell gibt es mittlerweile in vier Bauformen:
- RCS 2 mit 2 Testzellen und vergrößertem 180° Kippwinkel
- RCS 6 mit 6 Testzellen, optimiert für den Laborabzug
- RCS 8 mit 8 Testzellen, optimiert für 2 Blindversuche und 3 Versuche im Duplikat
- RCS 20 mit bis zu 20 Testzellen für den großen Bedarf
Gerne kann die Saphirglas-Rocking Cell an Ihre Testbedürfnisse angepaßt werden, um das optimale Setting für Ihre Versuchsbedingungen zu erzielen.